Yes, they are a linty mess, but I love the end result. The way I fray mine is: (1) put it in the dryer for 10-15 minutes, emptying the lint trap frequently, (2) In top-load washer, wash twice, frequently skimming the tiny threads off the top of the water. (3) Dry in dryer, emptying lint trap frequently. You can wash-dry-wash-dry, but I find that the dry-wash-wash-dry works just as well and is easier.
If using a front-load washer, I run it through the dryer at home then take it to the laundry mat. Wash twice and dry once.
I'm sure there are other options, but this is what works well for me.